QB Howard Ready to Take Over at WVU

West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard (3) hands the ball off to Rushel Shell (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State in Morgantown, W.Va., on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. Kansas State won 26-20. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson)

Skyler Howard sees his promotion to starting quarterback at West Virginia as more than an opportunity to take over the offense.

He wants to look like he knows what he's doing, and it starts with staying focused. Howard follows the likes of record-setting quarterbacks Clint Trickett, Geno Smith and Pat White over the past decade in Morgantown.

"I think moving to the next level kind of made me a little bit antsy," Howard said. "I'm getting under control. That is one thing I am focusing on right now. I want to stay calm in the pocket and focus on my reads. It's getting better every day."

Howard threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start in the regular-season finale at Iowa State, then struggled in a Liberty Bowl loss to Texas A&M in which he often overthrew receivers but still managed 346 passing yards and three scores.

(h/t NCAA.com)